Battery module for notebook computers

BACKGROUND

The disclosures herein relate generally to computer systems and more particularly to a replaceable battery module for a notebook computer.

In a notebook computer, it is desirable to allow a removable storage device to be replaced with an additional battery module as the user requires. In order to secure the battery module into the computer, some type of latch feature is required. The utility of the battery module is extended when the design is standardized such that it is interchangeable within a family of products. Users have enjoyed such interchangeability for several years, and it has contributed to manufacturing and engineering efficiencies. Today, there is a need to redefine the battery and storage module for use in smaller notebook computers and to accommodate new interfaces, and battery technologies. Removable storage modules like CDROMs have a unique shape. Therefore, optimizing the bay for both storage modules and batteries will generally require some tradeoff. It is desirable to minimize the notebook computer size and maximize the expandability (including extended battery life) by creating a flexible module interface.

Currently, some notebook computers have a media bay latch mechanism on the bottom of the notebook computer housing. The bay is very flexible in that it will house a battery pack with eight 18 mm diameter cells, in addition to a CDROM or other storage device. The downside is that significant space is wasted in the notebook computer, and the module cannot be removed when the notebook computer is docked. Some current notebook computers have a thinner media bay that can also house a battery. The module shape matches the unusual shape of the CDROM, and the latch and extraction mechanism is located in the notebook computer. Because the latch in the notebook computer consumes space under the module, the battery pack thickness is limited to the CDROM thickness. This has severely limited the ability to fit a high capacity battery in the media bay.

Some products have had bays for removable batteries or drives that included integrated fastening and removal mechanisms. Examples include the XPI battery, XPI hard drive and CPx hard drive manufactured by Dell Computer Corporation of Austin, Tex. In each of the above examples, the extensibility and flexibility of the module is limited in that the XPI battery and CPx hard drive modules include part of the bottom surface of the notebook computer, and they cannot be used across different notebook families where the drive may be mounted at a different height. The XPI hard drive latch is included at the front corner of the notebook computer outline, and is restricted to the front left location of the notebook. None of these examples were designed to be a flexible expansion bay that may accept hard drives, CD-ROMs, and battery modules.

Therefore, what is needed is a durable, easily removable battery module which is of a reduced size for compatibility with a media bay of smaller notebook computer sizes.

SUMMARY

One embodiment, accordingly, provides a removable battery module for a notebook computer which has a quick latch device. To this end, a latch assembly includes a support body and a latch actuator mounted on the support body for movement between a first position and a second position. A first movable catch member extends from a first surface of the support body and a second movable catch member extends from a second surface of the support body. A first flexible member interconnects the first catch member and the latch actuator. A second flexible member interconnects the second catch member and the latch actuator. As a result, movement of the latch actuator from the first position to the second position, moves the first and second flexible members and retracts the first and second catch members towards the support body.

A principal advantage of this embodiment is that a battery module can be removed by a one-handed motion at one point of contact with the latch actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an embodiment of a computer system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a portable computer.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a portable computer.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a battery module.

FIG. 5 is a partial top view illustrating an embodiment of a latch device for the battery module.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are partial perspective views further illustrating the latch device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a flexible link for the latch device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, computer system <b>10</b>, FIG. 1, includes a microprocessor <b>12</b>, which is connected to a bus <b>14</b>. Bus <b>14</b> serves as a connection between microprocessor <b>12</b> and other components of computer system <b>10</b>. An input system <b>16</b> is coupled to microprocessor <b>12</b> to provide input to microprocessor <b>12</b>. Examples of input devices include keyboards, touchscreens, and pointing devices such as mouses, trackballs and trackpads. Programs and data are stored on a mass storage device <b>18</b>, which is coupled to microprocessor <b>12</b>. Mass storage devices include such devices as hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy drives and the like. Computer system <b>10</b> further includes a display <b>20</b>, which is coupled to microprocessor <b>12</b> by a video controller <b>22</b>. A system memory <b>24</b> is coupled to microprocessor <b>12</b> to provide the microprocessor with fast storage to facilitate execution of busses and intermediate circuits can be deployed between the components described above and microprocessor <b>12</b> to facilitate interconnection between the components and the microprocessor.

Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a portable, notebook size computer designated <b>26</b> comprising a self-contained system, such as that illustrated at <b>10</b> in FIG. 1, and including a hinged top or lid <b>28</b> rotable about a hinge or hinges <b>30</b> from a nested position, “N,” with a horizontal chassis base <b>32</b>, to a substantially vertical or open position “V,” FIG. <b>3</b>. Opening of the notebook style portable computer by manipulation of a latch <b>34</b>, reveals of plurality of input components such as a keyboard of keys <b>36</b> on base <b>32</b>, and a monitor screen <b>38</b> mounted in lid or top <b>28</b>. Base <b>32</b> includes a palm or wrist area <b>40</b> including an input area <b>42</b> of the input system <b>16</b> positioned above a battery housing <b>44</b> and adjacent keys <b>36</b>. Base <b>32</b> includes an exterior surface <b>50</b>. The keyboard keys <b>36</b> and also the adjacent palmrest area <b>40</b> are provided on the exterior surface <b>50</b>.

A module bay <b>52</b> is provided in a side <b>32</b><i>a </i>of base <b>32</b>. Bay <b>52</b> may house a removable CD-ROM module or hard disk drive (HDD) module as is well known. Also, bay <b>52</b> may house a battery module <b>54</b> which may be interchanged in the bay <b>52</b> with the CD-ROM or HDD modules. In this manner, a removable storage device such as the CD-ROM or HDD module is replaced with an additional battery. Furthermore, the battery module <b>54</b> may be interchanged between other notebook computers or between a notebook computer and a desktop computer.

The battery module <b>54</b>, FIG. 4, is generally rectangular and includes a plug <b>56</b> at a first end <b>56</b><i>a </i>which is inserted into the bay <b>52</b>. A plug receptacle (not shown) is positioned within bay <b>52</b> for receiving plug <b>56</b>. A second end <b>58</b> of battery module <b>54</b> seats flush with side <b>32</b><i>a </i>of base <b>32</b> when the module <b>54</b> is inserted into bay <b>52</b>. A latch device <b>60</b> at second end <b>58</b>, provides for easy retention and removal of battery module <b>54</b> in bay <b>52</b>. A plurality of batteries <b>162</b> are positioned within module <b>54</b>, and some basic interface circuitry <b>164</b> is also provided.

Latch device <b>60</b>, FIG. 5, is supported in battery module <b>54</b> and includes a latch actuator <b>62</b> which includes a first or grip end <b>62</b><i>a </i>and a second or pivot end <b>62</b><i>b </i>pivotally movable about a pivot point <b>63</b> for movement between a first or closed position C and a second or open position O.

A first catch member <b>64</b> and a second catch member <b>66</b>, FIG. 5, are each provided to extend from a respective side surface <b>64</b><i>a</i>, <b>66</b><i>a </i>of module <b>54</b>. The catch members <b>64</b>, <b>66</b> are identical in structure and function and therefore, only one will be fully described. Catch member <b>64</b> includes a catch <b>68</b> connected to a first slide <b>70</b>. The first slide <b>70</b> is resiliently mounted in a slot <b>72</b> by means of a resilient member <b>74</b> which is compressed against first slide <b>70</b> to urge catch <b>68</b> to extend through an opening <b>76</b>, FIGS. 6 and 7, in either side surface <b>64</b><i>a</i>, <b>66</b><i>a</i>. First slide <b>70</b>, FIG. 5, includes a slot <b>75</b> formed therein for receiving a terminal end of a flexible member to be discussed below in greater detail.

First slide <b>70</b> is actuated by latch actuator <b>62</b> by means of a flexible link. The flexible link may be a pair of flexible members such that each is attached to latch device <b>60</b> and each is respectively attached to catch members <b>64</b> and <b>66</b>. Preferably, a flexible link <b>80</b>, FIG. 8, is a molded one-piece member which has a first end <b>80</b><i>a</i>, a first flexible member <b>81</b> and a second flexible member <b>82</b>. The first flexible member <b>81</b> is of a first length L<b>1</b> and the second flexible member <b>82</b> is of a second length L<b>2</b>, which is greater then L<b>1</b>. A terminal end <b>81</b><i>a </i>of first flexible member <b>81</b> includes a tab <b>81</b><i>b</i>. A terminal end <b>82</b><i>a </i>of second flexible member <b>82</b> includes a tab <b>82</b><i>b</i>. Tab <b>81</b><i>b </i>is movably seated in slot <b>75</b> of slide <b>70</b>. Tab <b>82</b><i>b </i>is movably seated in a slot <b>84</b> of a second slide <b>86</b>, including a catch <b>87</b>, of second catch member <b>66</b>. First flexible member <b>81</b> extends from slide <b>70</b> via an opening <b>88</b> and second flexible member <b>82</b> extends from slide <b>86</b> via an opening <b>90</b>. Slide <b>86</b> is resiliently mounted in a slot <b>92</b> by means of resilient member <b>94</b> similar to resilient member <b>74</b>, described above. Each of the flexible members <b>81</b>, <b>82</b> engage an idler <b>96</b>, FIGS. 5-7, however, flexible member <b>82</b> reverses direction by means of being partially wrapped around idler <b>96</b>.

In operation, in order to minimize the design constraints placed upon a notebook computer, the battery module has all the features associated with latching and extraction integrated into the module itself. Due to this fact, the module latching mechanism is customer replaceable. This significantly reduces manufacturer service and warranty cost by permitting the manufacturer to replace broken latches by mailing a new battery module to the customer instead of dispatching a service technician. Incorporating the latching mechanism into the module also allows different modules to have different latching mechanisms. Therefore, the mechanisms can be located in different areas to minimize the module's volume. For instance, optical drives have an area which is often wasted in module design. Using such an area for the latching mechanism will help minimize the overall module size. A battery, on the other hand, is optimized for battery cells when it has a large rectangular space available to place cells. This makes it desirable to place the catching mechanism in the front of the battery module.

When latch actuator <b>62</b> is moved from position C to position O, flexible member <b>81</b> urges slide <b>70</b> against resilient member <b>74</b> and flexible member <b>82</b> urges slide <b>86</b> against resilient member <b>94</b>. This action simultaneously moves slides <b>70</b>, <b>86</b> and catches <b>68</b>, <b>87</b> to a retracted, dotted line, position D which retracts the catches <b>68</b>, <b>87</b> into module <b>54</b>. When latch actuator <b>62</b> is released to position C, resilient members <b>74</b>, <b>94</b> urge catches <b>68</b>, <b>87</b> to an extended at rest position E.

As can be seen, the principal advantages of these embodiments are that the dual latches improve strength and help to center the module in the bay. A single action retracts both latches (on opposite sides of module). A thin plastic film or fabric is used (in tension) to retract the latches. This material provides a robust, low cost method of retracting two latches while occupying minimal space. The potential to mold the thin plastic strap with the locating pins and slides could provide significant cost savings by reducing assembly time. The thin strip wraps around a bobbin attached to the door to actuate the latches. The door opening motion directly moves the strap, thereby eliminating any linkage or additional moving parts that would create additional failure modes. The battery module also utilizes a cylinder shaped protrusion (acting as a pulley) to reverse the direction of travel. This reduces the tolerance of the mechanism by actuating both latches in different directions with one single part. The battery module latching and extraction is intuitive to the user. It requires only one hand and one point of contact to unlatch and remove.

Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.